Determination of the Technological Advantage of the footwear industry of the Plaza Azul, San Mateo Atenco, State of Mexico

Abstract

The manufacture of footwear in the State of Mexico is an activity of the utmost importance since it represents an important source of income for the community of San Mateo Atenco; in the last ten years, just over 40% of family workshops have closed. Plaza Azul has also been affected by a considerable decrease in sales volume, a situation that today is considered critical. The purpose of this research is to determine the technological capacity, understood as the ability to design, buy, manufacture, and sell products. Technological competence is defined as the results of the evaluation of the 7 variables mentioned below: Differentiated and exclusive products, value-added process, mastery of technology, innovation capacity, strategic assets that are difficult to imitate, productive flexibility, and quality system. The results of the research show that productive flexibility is the main strength and differentiated and exclusive products are the greatest area of opportunity.